The programme – announced today at BTIIC in Belfast and supported by Invest NI – will see £45 million invested over the next five years, creating 60 new highly skilled jobs and expanding industrial research across artificial intelligence, the Autonomous Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity and next-generation networks.
“A significant next step in a successful partnership”
Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, highlighted the importance of the new programme as a continuation of a partnership that has already delivered impactful research, innovation and talent development. He said:
“Over the past eight years, Ulster University and BT have forged a strong partnership through the BT Ireland Innovation Centre, delivering impactful research and developing talent that firmly positions Northern Ireland on the global innovation map.
"This new programme represents a significant next step, combining BT’s industry leadership with Ulster University's academic expertise to expand our research capacity, recruit new specialist staff and create opportunities for graduates and post-graduates to work at the forefront of technological development.”
He added that the University remains committed to partnerships that strengthen innovation, economic growth and skills in the region.
Paul Murnaghan, Northern Ireland director, at BT said:
“Over the past eight years, the BT Ireland Innovation Centre has shown the power of collaboration between industry, academia and government.
"This renewed partnership builds on the strong foundations we’ve already established in Northern Ireland, accelerating that progress further by expanding research in AI, security and IoT.
"It will create new jobs and provide opportunities for both graduates and those looking to continue their studies. Northern Ireland’s talent and connected ecosystem make it the ideal place to shape the next generation of technology, and we’re proud to continue this journey with Ulster University and support from Invest NI.”
Kieran Donoghue, Chief Executive of Invest NI said:
“In 2017 we supported the creation of the BT Ireland Innovation Centre – the first of its kind across the UK and Ireland. That collaboration between industry, academia and government created a unique environment in which research and creativity flourished. Over time BTIIC has grown in scale, scope and reputation, and has become an integral part of BTs global innovation ecosystem.
"This latest investment is an affirmation of confidence in Northern Ireland and is designed to drive forward the next generation of BT technology development in IoT systems, healthcare and cyber security. Ultimately this investment is strongly aligned to our business strategy which is focused on increasing innovation and Northern Ireland’s global visibility as a prime location for high-quality tech investments.”
Expanding research across key future technologies
The FTRI programme will accelerate joint research in five major areas:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science and Analytics
- Cybersecurity
- IoT and Autonomous Systems
- Next Generation Networks
This includes the development of advanced AI services for business, predictive analytics, and secure IoT and cyber solutions focused on privacy, trust and network resilience.
Supporting talent and skills development
A key element of the programme is the expansion of the BTIIC Academy, which will provide new pathways for recruitment, upskilling and postgraduate study.
This includes support for Ulster University’s MSc Artificial Intelligence, alongside project-based learning and accredited modules in AI, IoT and Computer Science, strengthening the pipeline of specialist skills for the region.
Shared commitment to Northern Ireland’s innovation ecosystem
Invest NI has offered BT £5.9 million in R&D assistance – part-funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund – to help drive forward the next phase of collaborative research and development.
With new investments, expanded research capacity and increased opportunities for graduates and postgraduates, Ulster University, BT and Invest NI will continue working together to position Northern Ireland as a global leader in advanced technology, digital innovation and next-generation skills.
